U.S. patent application number 13/320262 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-08 for apparatus for equalizing the tensions among elevator wire ropes.
Invention is credited to Beong Soo Jun.
Application Number | 20120055743 13/320262 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43407386 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120055743 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jun; Beong Soo |
March 8, 2012 |
APPARATUS FOR EQUALIZING THE TENSIONS AMONG ELEVATOR WIRE ROPES
Abstract
Disclosed is an apparatus for equalizing tensions among elevator
wire ropes, which immediately eliminates imbalance and equalizes
the tensions among elevator wire ropes in the event of differences
in the lengths of elevator wire ropes, thereby improving safety,
durability and reliability. The apparatus automatically corrects
imbalance caused by changes in the lengths of a plurality of
elevator wire ropes (700) to maintain a balance in the tensions of
elevator wire ropes. The apparatus includes a body (200f) formed
therein with a receiving space; a tension adjustment unit coupled
to a plurality of belts (10f, 20f, 30f and 40f) connected to the
elevator wire ropes (700) , respectively, and installed in the body
(200f); a main rotary shaft (50f) rotatably coupled to the body
(200f) by passing through the tension adjustment unit; and first
and second external gears (45f and 48f), which are fixed to the
main rotary shaft (50f) such that the first and second external
gears (45f and 48f) are rotatable, and which are coupled to the
front and rear surfaces of the tension adjustment unit to transmit
rotating forces.
Inventors: |
Jun; Beong Soo; (Seoul,
KR) |
Family ID: |
43407386 |
Appl. No.: |
13/320262 |
Filed: |
May 10, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
May 10, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR10/02943 |
371 Date: |
November 12, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
187/412 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B66B 7/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
187/412 |
International
Class: |
B66B 7/10 20060101
B66B007/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 12, 2009 |
KR |
10-2009-0041074 |
May 6, 2010 |
KR |
10-2010-0042371 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for equalizing tension among elevator wire ropes,
the apparatus comprising: a body (200f) formed therein with a
receiving space; a tension adjustment unit coupled to a plurality
of belts (10f, 20f, 30f and 40f) connected to the elevator wire
ropes (700), respectively, and installed in the body (200f); a main
rotary shaft (50f) rotatably coupled to the body (200f) by passing
through the tension adjustment unit; and first and second external
gears (45f and 48f) , which are fixed to the main rotary shaft
(50f) such that the first and second external gears (45f and 48f)
are rotatable, and which are coupled to the front and rear surfaces
of the tension adjustment unit to transmit rotating forces.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tension adjustment unit
comprises: a first pulley (11f) around which the first belt (10f)
is wound; a first rotating plate (110f) installed in the first
pulley (11f) and coupled with a plurality of first bevel planet
gears (31f) ; a second pulley (12f) around which the second belt
(20f) is wound in an opposition direction to the first belt (20f);
a second rotating plate (120f) installed in the first pulley (11f)
and coupled with a plurality of second bevel planet gears (32f) ;
and a first engagement gear (T1) installed between the first and
second rotating plates (110f and 120f) and engaged with the first
and second bevel planet gears (31f and 32f).
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a winding direction of the
first belt (10f) is opposite to a winding direction of the second
belt (20f) .
4. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a second rotating
plate (120f) and a third pulley (13f) between the second rotating
plate (210f) and the second external gear (48f) , wherein a winding
direction of the third belt (30f) is opposite to the winding
direction of the second belt (20f), a third rotating plate (130f)
is installed inside the third pulley (13f), and a plurality of
third bevel planet gears (33f) are engaged with the third rotating
plate (130f).
5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a third engagement
gear (T3) and a fourth pulley (14f) between the third pulley (13f)
and the second external gear (48f) , wherein the fourth belt (40f)
is wound around the fourth pulley (14f) , a winding direction of
the fourth belt (40f) is opposite to the winding direction of the
third belt (30f), a fourth rotating plate (140f) is installed
inside the fourth pulley (14f) , and a plurality of fourth bevel
planet gears (34f) are engaged with the fourth rotating plate
(140f).
6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first external gear (45f)
is engaged with the first bevel planet gears (31f) of the first
pulley (11f) , the second external gear (48f) is engaged with the
second bevel planet gears (32f) of the second pulley (12f), and the
first and second external gears (45f and 48f) are fixedly coupled
with the main rotary shaft (50f) by keys (51f and 52f).
7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the second external gear (48f)
is engaged with the third bevel planet gears (33f) of the third
pulley (13f) , and the second external gear (48f) is fixedly
coupled with the main rotary shaft (50f) by a key (52f).
8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second external gear (48f)
is engaged with the fourth bevel planet gears (34f) of the fourth
pulley (14f) , and the second external gear (48f) is fixedly
coupled with the main rotary shaft (50f) by a key (52f).
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising guide rollers 61f,
62f, 63f and 64f rotatably installed in the body 200f such that the
belts 10f, 20f, 30f and 40f connected to the tension adjustment
unit are connected to outer surfaces of the guide rollers 61f, 62f,
63f and 64f, respectively.
10. An apparatus for equalizing tension among elevator wire ropes
by automatically correcting imbalance caused by variation in
lengths of the elevator wire ropes, the apparatus comprising: a
body (200) formed therein with a receiving space; a tension
adjustment unit coupled to a plurality of belts connected to the
elevator wire ropes (700), respectively, and installed in the body
(200); a main rotary shaft (50) rotatably coupled to the body (200)
by passing through the tension adjustment unit; and guide rollers
(61, 62, 63 and 64) rotatably coupled in the body 200 such that the
belts connected to the tension adjustment unit can be connected to
outer surfaces of the guide rollers 61, 62, 63 and 64,
respectively.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the tension adjustment unit
comprises: a first pulley (11) around which a first belt (10) is
wound; a first ring gear (L1) having one side coupled with the
first pulley (11), provided at an inner circumferential portion
thereof with first and second internal gears (41 and 42), and
rotatably coupled with a sleeve (21c) fitted around an outer
surface of the main rotary shaft (50); a first sun gear (45)
fixedly coupled to the main rotary shaft (50), arranged inside the
first ring gear (L1) and provided at an outer surface thereof with
gear teeth; a plurality of first planet gears (31) arranged between
the first sun gear (45) and the first internal gear (41) and
engaged with the first sun gear (45) and the first internal gear
(41) in such a manner that the first planet gears (31) rotatably
move along the first internal gear (41); a second pulley (12)
coupled to the other side of the first ring gear (L1) and around
which a second belt (20) is wound; second and third sun gears (46
and 47) coupled with the sleeve (21c) of the first ring gear (L1),
provided at outer surfaces thereof with gear teeth and integrally
coupled with each other; a plurality of second planet gears (32)
arranged between the second sun gear (46) and the second internal
gear (42) and engaged with the second sun gear 46 and the second
internal gear (42) in such a manner that the second planet gears
(32) rotatably move along the second internal gear (42); a
plurality of third planet gears (33) engaged with the third sun
gear (47); a second ring gear (L2) provided at one side of an inner
circumferential portion thereof with a third internal gear (43)
engaged with the third planet gears (33) and at the other side of
the inner circumferential portion thereof with a fourth internal
gear (44) and formed at a center thereof with a sleeve (22c) fitted
around the outer surface of the main rotary shaft (50); a third
pulley (13) coupled with an outer side of the second ring gear (L2)
and around which a third belt (30) is wound; a fourth sun gear (48)
coupled to the sleeve (22c) of the second ring gear (L2) and
fixedly coupled to the main rotary shaft (50); a plurality of
fourth planet gears (34) arranged between the fourth sun gear (48)
and the fourth internal gear (44) and engaged with the fourth sun
gear (48) and the fourth internal gear (44) in such a manner that
the fourth planet gears (34) rotatably move along the fourth
internal gear (44); and a fourth pulley (14) coupled to the other
outer side of the second ring gear (L2) and around which the fourth
belt (40) is wound.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first and fourth sun
gears (45 and 48) have cylindrical structures and are provided at
outer surfaces thereof with gear teeth, in which the first and
fourth sun gears (45 and 48) are integrally formed with the main
rotary shaft 50 by keys (73 and 74).
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second and third sun
gears (46 and 47) are prepared in a form of a single cylindrical
structure and a bearing (B1) coupled with the main rotary shaft
(50) is be provided at a center of the second and third sun gears
(46 and 47).
14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein a winding direction of the
first belt (10) is opposite to a winding direction of the second
belt (20), a winding direction of the third belt (30) is opposite
to the winding direction of the second belt (20), and a winding
direction of the fourth belt (40) is opposite to the winding
direction of the third belt (30).
15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first ring gear (L1)
comprises: a disc plate (210) provided at a center thereof with a
sleeve (21c) coupled with the main rotary shaft (50); a rim member
provided at an outer surface of the disc plate (210) and coupled
with the first and second pulleys (11 and 12); and first and second
internal gears (41 and 42) provided at upper and lower portions of
an inner surface of the rim member about the disc plate (210).
16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second ring gear (L2)
comprises: a disc plate (220) provided at a center thereof with a
sleeve (22c) coupled with the main rotary shaft (50); a rim member
provided at an outer surface of the disc plate (220) and coupled
with the third and fourth pulleys (13 and 14); and third and fourth
internal gears (43 and 44) provided at upper and lower portions of
an inner surface of the rim member about the disc plate (220).
17. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of
shaft pins (111, 121, 131 and 141) provided in rotating plates (110
to 140) to couple the first to fourth planet gears (31 to 34) to
the first to fourth pulleys (11 to 14).
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for equalizing
tensions among elevator wire ropes. More particularly, the present
invention relates to an apparatus for equalizing tensions among
elevator wire ropes, which can immediately compensate for length
variation of the elevator wire ropes when the lengths of the
elevator wire ropes are changed due to deformation of the elevator
wire ropes caused by mechanical contraction and expansion of the
elevator wire ropes suspended to pulleys.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In general, when an elevator car is reciprocally moved up
and down by elevator wire ropes suspended to the elevator car,
tensional imbalance may occur among the elevator wire ropes.
[0003] For this reason, the tensional imbalance of the elevator
wire ropes is periodically managed and inspected. In spite of the
periodic inspection and management for the elevator wire ropes,
since the tensional imbalance of the elevator wire ropes may occur
in real time depending on the temperature of the place where the
elevator car is installed and the operation frequency of the
elevator car, the tensional imbalance may continue until the next
inspection.
[0004] Such a tensional imbalance causes the eccentric abrasion of
pulleys, so there is difference in the number .pi. of the pulleys.
The difference in the number .pi. of the pulleys may cause
difference in the travel distance of each elevator wire rope, so a
slip may occur in the elevator wire ropes when driving the pulleys,
causing longitudinal and transverse vibrations. These longitudinal
and transverse vibrations may be directly applied to the elevator
car, so that the elevator car may be subject to the longitudinal
and transverse vibrations.
[0005] For this reason, the elevator car may be damaged, the life
span of the elevator car may be shortened, and the riding comport
of the elevator car may be degraded.
DISCLOSURE
Technical Problem
[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above
problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present
invention is to provide an apparatus for equalizing tensions among
elevator wire ropes, which can immediately eliminate tensional
imbalance among the elevator wire ropes when the tensional
imbalance occurs among the elevator wire ropes due to difference in
the lengths of the elevator wire ropes caused by mechanical
contraction and expansion of the elevator wire ropes suspended to
pulleys.
TECHNICAL SOLUTION
[0007] In order to accomplish the above object, the present
invention provides an apparatus for equalizing tension among
elevator wire ropes, the apparatus including a body formed therein
with a receiving space; a tension adjustment unit coupled to a
plurality of belts connected to the elevator wire ropes,
respectively, and installed in the body; a main rotary shaft
rotatably coupled to the body by passing through the tension
adjustment unit; first and second external gears, which are fixed
to the main rotary shaft such that the first and second external
gears are rotatable, and which are coupled to the front and rear
surfaces of the tension adjustment unit to transmit rotating
forces; and guide rollers rotatably installed in the body such that
the belts connected to the tension adjustment unit are connected to
outer surfaces of the guide rollers, respectively.
[0008] The tension adjustment unit includes a first pulley around
which the first belt is wound; a first rotating plate installed in
the first pulley and coupled with a plurality of first bevel planet
gears; a second pulley around which the second belt is wound in an
opposition direction to the first belt; a second rotating plate
installed in the first pulley and coupled with a plurality of
second bevel planet gears; and a first engagement gear installed
between the first and second rotating plates and engaged with the
first and second bevel planet gears.
[0009] The apparatus further includes a second rotating plate and a
third pulley between the second rotating plate and the second
external gear, wherein a winding direction of the third belt is
opposite to the winding direction of the second belt, a third
rotating plate is installed inside the third pulley, and a
plurality of third bevel planet gears are engaged with the third
rotating plate.
[0010] The apparatus further includes a third engagement gear and a
fourth pulley between the third pulley and the second external
gear, wherein the fourth belt is wound around the fourth pulley, a
winding direction of the fourth belt is opposite to the winding
direction of the third belt, a fourth rotating plate is installed
inside the fourth pulley, and a plurality of fourth bevel planet
gears are engaged with the fourth rotating plate.
[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an apparatus for equalizing tension among elevator wire
ropes, the apparatus including a body formed therein with a
receiving space; a tension adjustment unit coupled to a plurality
of belts connected to the elevator wire ropes, respectively, and
installed in the body; a main rotary shaft rotatably coupled to the
body by passing through the tension adjustment unit; and guide
rollers rotatably coupled in the body such that the belts connected
to the tension adjustment unit are connected to outer surfaces of
the guide rollers, respectively.
[0012] The tension adjustment unit includes a first pulley around
which a first belt is wound; a first ring gear having one side
coupled with the first pulley, provided at an inner circumferential
portion thereof with first and second internal gears, and rotatably
coupled with a sleeve fitted around an outer surface of the main
rotary shaft; a first sun gear fixedly coupled to the main rotary
shaft, arranged inside the first ring gear and provided at an outer
surface thereof with gear teeth; a plurality of first planet gears
arranged between the first sun gear and the first internal gear and
engaged with the first sun gear and the first internal gear in such
a manner that the first planet gears rotatably move along the first
internal gear; a second pulley coupled to the other side of the
first ring gear and around which a second belt is wound; second and
third sun gears coupled with the sleeve of the first ring gear,
provided at outer surfaces thereof with gear teeth and integrally
coupled with each other; a plurality of second planet gears
arranged between the second sun gear and the second internal gear
and engaged with the second sun gear 46 and the second internal
gear in such a manner that the second planet gears rotatably move
along the second internal gear; a plurality of third planet gears
engaged with the third sun gear; a second ring gear provided at one
side of an inner circumferential portion thereof with a third
internal gear engaged with the third planet gears and at the other
side of the inner circumferential portion thereof with a fourth
internal gear and formed at a center thereof with a sleeve fitted
around the outer surface of the main rotary shaft; a third pulley
coupled with an outer side of the second ring gear and around which
a third belt is wound; a fourth sun gear coupled to the sleeve of
the second ring gear and fixedly coupled to the main rotary shaft;
a plurality of fourth planet gears arranged between the fourth sun
gear and the fourth internal gear and engaged with the fourth sun
gear and the fourth internal gear in such a manner that the fourth
planet gears rotatably move along the fourth internal gear; and a
fourth pulley coupled to the other outer side of the second ring
gear and around which the fourth belt is wound.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECT
[0013] According to the present invention, where there is
difference in the lengths of the elevator wire ropes, the tensional
imbalance among the elevator wire ropes is immediately eliminated
to equalize tension among the elevator wire ropes, so that the
safety, the durability and the reliability of the elevator car can
be improved.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an installation example
of an apparatus for equalizing tension among elevator wire ropes
according to the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an apparatus
for equalizing tension among elevator wire ropes according to the
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a front sectional view showing an apparatus for
equalizing tension among elevator wire ropes according to the first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing an apparatus for
equalizing tension among elevator wire ropes according to the first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing an apparatus
for equalizing tension among elevator wire ropes according to the
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 6 is an assembled perspective view showing an apparatus
for equalizing tension among elevator wire ropes according to the
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a front sectional view showing an apparatus for
equalizing tension among elevator wire ropes according to the
second embodiment of the present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 8 is a view showing the operation of an apparatus for
equalizing tension among elevator wire ropes according to the
second embodiment of the present invention.
BEST MODE
Mode for Invention
[0022] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention
will be described in detail with reference to accompanying
drawings.
First Embodiment
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an installation example
of an apparatus for equalizing tension among elevator wire ropes
according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded
perspective view showing the apparatus for equalizing tension among
elevator wire ropes according to the first embodiment of the
present invention, FIG. 3 is a front sectional view showing the
apparatus for equalizing tension among elevator wire ropes
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and
FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing the apparatus for
equalizing tension among elevator wire ropes according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the apparatus for equalizing
tension among elevator wire ropes according to the first embodiment
of the present invention includes a body 200f formed therein with a
receiving space; a tension adjustment unit coupled to a plurality
of belts 10f, 20f, 30f and 40f connected to the elevator wire ropes
700, respectively, and installed in the body 200f; a main rotary
shaft 50f rotatably coupled to the body 200f by passing through the
tension adjustment unit; first and second external gears 45f and
48f, which are fixed to the main rotary shaft 50f such that the
first and second external gears 45f and 48f are rotatable, and
which are coupled to the front and rear surfaces of the tension
adjustment unit to transmit rotating forces; and guide rollers 61f,
62f, 63f and 64f rotatably installed in the body 200f such that the
belts 10f, 20f, 30f and 40f connected to the tension adjustment
unit can be connected to outer surfaces of the guide rollers 61f,
62f, 63f and 64f, respectively.
[0025] The body 200f has a rectangular box shape and the receiving
space is formed in the body 200f to receive the tension adjustment
unit therein. A plurality of slits 93f, 94f, 95f and 96f are formed
on the top surface of the body 200f such that the belts may pass
through the slits 93f, 94f, 95f and 96f.
[0026] After the belts have passed through the slits 93f, 94f, 95f
and 96f, upper ends of the belts are connected to the wire ropes
700 by fastening members 710.
[0027] Each fastening member 710 includes a first fastening member
711 connected to the wire rope 700 and a second fastening member
712 coupled with the first fastening member 711 and connected to
the belt.
[0028] The tension adjustment unit is coupled with the belts 10f,
20f, 30f and 40f connected to the elevator wire ropes 700 and
installed in the body 200f.
[0029] For the purpose of convenience, the belts are classified
into the first to fourth belts 10f, 20f, 30f and 40f.
[0030] The first to fourth belts 10f, 20f, 30f and 40f are wound
around first to fourth pulleys 11f, 12f, 13f and 14f such that the
tension can be adjusted by fastening or releasing the first to
fourth belts 10f, 20f, 30f and 40f.
[0031] Since the first to fourth belts 10f, 20f, 30f and 40f are
supported on the outer peripheral surfaces of the guide rollers
61f, 62f, 63f and 64f, the first to fourth belts 10f, 20f, 30f and
40f are taut, so that the tension can be uniformly maintained among
the first to fourth belts 10f, 20f, 30f and 40f.
[0032] Although the present invention discloses four belts and four
pulleys 11f, 12f, 13f and 14f cooperated with the four belts, the
present invention is not limited thereto.
[0033] For instance, more than four belts and pulleys may be
employed in the present invention.
[0034] In order to accomplish the object of the present invention,
at least two belts and at least two pulleys cooperated with the
belts must be provided.
[0035] The tension adjustment unit includes the first pulley 11f
around which the first belt 10f is wound; a first rotating plate
110f installed in the first pulley 11f and coupled with a plurality
of first bevel planet gears 31f; the second pulley 12f around which
the second belt 20f is wound in the opposition direction to the
first belt 20f; a second rotating plate 120f installed in the first
pulley 11f and coupled with a plurality of second bevel planet
gears 32f; and a first engagement gear T1 installed between the
first and second rotating plates 110f and 120f and engaged with the
first and second bevel planet gears 31f and 32f.
[0036] The winding direction of the first belt 10f is opposite to
the winding direction of the second belt 20f. In detail, referring
to FIG. 2, the first belt 10f is wound around the first pulley 11f
in the direction from the front to the rear of the first pulley 11f
and then extends upward while being wound around the guide roller
61f. An upper end of the first belt 10f is connected to the wire
rope 700.
[0037] In contrast, the second belt 20f is wound around the second
pulley 12f in the direction from the rear to the front of the
second pulley 12f and then extends upward while being wound around
the guide roller 62f. An upper end of the second belt 20f is
connected to the wire rope 700.
[0038] The first and second pulleys 11f and 12f have ring shapes in
which the first and second rotating plates 110f and 120f are
accommodated therein. Rims are provided at outer portions of the
first and second pulleys 11f and 12f to prevent the first and
second belts 10f and 20f from being separated from the first and
second pulleys 11f and 12f.
[0039] The first and second rotating plates 110f and 120f have disc
shapes and holes are formed at center portions of the first and
second rotating plates 110f and 120f, respectively, such that the
main rotary shaft 50f can extend by passing through the holes.
Bearings 21f and 23f are installed in the holes in such a manner
that the bearings 21f and 23f can be fitted around the main rotary
shaft 50f (see, FIG. 3). The first and second bevel planet gears
31f and 32f are rotatably coupled to the bearings 21f and 23f,
respectively.
[0040] Bearings 25f and 27f are installed in third and fourth
rotating plates 130f and 140f, respectively, which will be
described later.
[0041] The first and second bevel planet gears 31f and 32f have
truncated conical shapes having small lower portions and large
upper portions and teeth are formed at outer portions of the first
and second bevel planet gears 31f and 32f. The first and second
bevel planet gears 31f and 32f are rotatably coupled with the first
and second rotating plates 110f and 120f, respectively.
[0042] The first engagement gear T1 has a disc shape and is
provided at both surfaces thereof with gears engaged with the first
and second bevel planet gears 31f and 32f. The second and third
engagement gears T2 and T3, which will be described later, have the
shapes the same as the shape of the first engagement gear T1.
[0043] Meanwhile, the present invention includes third and fourth
pulleys 13f and 14f coupled with the third and fourth belts 30f and
40f. The third and fourth pulleys 13f and 14f are engaged with
bevel gears.
[0044] According to the present invention, only the third belt 30f
and the third pulley 13f can be provided or the fourth belt 40f and
the fourth pulley 14f can be further added.
[0045] For instance, the second engagement gear T2 and the third
pulley 13f are further coupled between the second rotating plate
120f of the second pulley 12f and the second external gear 48f.
[0046] The third belt 30f is wound around the third pulley 13f and
the winding direction of the third belt 30f is opposite to the
winding direction of the second belt 20f. The third rotating plate
130f is installed inside the third pulley 13f and a plurality of
third bevel planet gears 33f are coupled to the third rotating
plate 130f.
[0047] Thus, the third bevel planet gears 33f are engaged with the
second engagement gear T2, so that the third bevel planet gears 33f
and the third pulley 13f are rotated together by the rotating force
of the second engagement gear T2. In addition, the third engagement
gear T3 is further coupled between the third pulley 13f and the
second external gear 48f. The third engagement gear T3 is engaged
with the third bevel planet gears 33f of the third pulley 13f.
[0048] Further, the fourth pulley 14f is coupled with the third
engagement gear T3. The fourth belt 40f is wound around the fourth
pulley 14f and the winding direction of the fourth belt 40f is
opposite to the winding direction of the third belt 20f. The fourth
rotating plate 140f is installed inside the fourth pulley 14f and a
plurality of fourth bevel planet gears 34f are coupled to the forth
rotating plate 140f.
[0049] Meanwhile, when the rotating force of the first pulley 11f
is transferred to the first and second engagement gears T1 and T2
and the second to fourth bevel planet gears 32f to 34f engaged with
the first and second engagement gears T1 and T2, the rotating force
of the final fourth pulley 14f may be lowered due to the energy
loss.
[0050] In order to solve the above problem, the first external gear
45f is provided in opposition to the first pulley 11f such that the
first external gear 45f can be coupled with the first bevel planet
gears 31f. The first external gear 45f is integrally coupled with
the main rotary shaft 50f.
[0051] The first external gear 45f can be integrated with the main
rotary shaft 50f by means of a key 51f, which will be described
later.
[0052] Thus, as the first pulley 11f rotates, the rotating force of
the first pulley 11f can be transferred to both of the first
engagement gear T1 and the first external gear 45f.
[0053] In addition, the second external gear 48f is installed at
the other end of the main rotary shaft 50f such that the second
external gear 48f can be coupled with the fourth bevel planet gears
34f.
[0054] Therefore, the rotating force of the first external gear 45f
is transferred to the second external gear 48f through the main
rotary shaft 50f, so the second external gear 48f can rotate the
fourth bevel planet gears 34f and the fourth pulley 14f. Thus, the
rotating force can be uniformly distributed.
[0055] The key is a coupling unit mainly used for coupling a shaft
with a gear.
[0056] In detail, a key slot having a predetermined length and a
predetermined depth is formed in the outer surface of the main
rotary shaft 50f and slots are formed at shaft coupling holes of
the first and second external gears 45f and 48f in correspondence
with the key slot.
[0057] Then, after matching the key slot of the main rotary shaft
50f with the shaft coupling holes of the first and second external
gears 45f and 48f, bar-shape keys 51f and 52f are inserted between
the key slot and the shaft coupling holes, so that the main rotary
shaft 50f can be integrally coupled with the first and second
external gears 45f and 48f.
[0058] Hereinafter, the operation of the first embodiment according
to the present invention will be described.
[0059] The rotating direction of each component is shown in FIG. 2,
and the following description will be made based on FIG. 2.
[0060] According to the feature of the present invention, when the
length of the first belt 10f wound around the first pulley 11f is
increased, the lengths of the belts wound around the second to
fourth pulleys 12f to 14f are reduced corresponding to the
increment in the length of the first belt 10f, thereby constantly
maintaining the tension among the elevator wire ropes.
[0061] If the first belt 10f is pulled upward, the first pulley 11f
rotates counterclockwise, so the first rotating plate 110f rotates
counterclockwise and the first bevel planet gears 31f rotatably
moves counterclockwise together with the first rotating plate 110f.
Thus, the first engagement gear T1 engaged with the first bevel
planet gears 31f rotates counterclockwise.
[0062] Subsequently, the second bevel planet gears 32f engaged with
the first engagement gear T1 rotatably moves counterclockwise, so
that the second rotating plate 120f rotates counterclockwise. Thus,
the second pulley 12f coupled with the second rotating plate 120f
rotates counterclockwise.
[0063] As the second pulley 12f rotates counterclockwise, the
second belt 20f is wound around the second pulley 12f while being
pulled downward. The second bevel planet gears 32f may rotate while
rotatably move along first engagement gear T1. That is, the second
bevel planet gears 32f may rotate counterclockwise about the
longitudinal axes thereof.
[0064] Meanwhile, as the second bevel planet gears 32f rotate
counterclockwise, the second engagement gear T2 engaged with the
second bevel planet gears 32f rotates clockwise.
[0065] Since the second engagement gear T2 rotates clockwise, the
third bevel planet gears 33f engaged with the second engagement
gear T2 rotatably move clockwise, so that the third rotating plate
130f and the third pulley 13f may rotate clockwise. Thus, the third
belt 30f is wound around the third pulley 13f.
[0066] The third bevel planet gears 33f are designed to rotate
clockwise.
[0067] Thus, the third engagement gear T3 engaged with the third
bevel planet gears 33f rotates counterclockwise.
[0068] Accordingly, the fourth bevel planet gears 34f engaged with
the third engagement gear T3 may rotate counterclockwise, so that
the fourth rotating plate 140f and the fourth pulley 14f may rotate
counterclockwise. Thus, the fourth belt 40f is wound around the
fourth pulley 14f.
[0069] Meanwhile, as the first pulley 11f rotates counterclockwise,
the first external gear 45f may rotate counterclockwise, so that
the main rotary shaft 50f and the second external gear 48f also
rotate counterclockwise.
[0070] Therefore, the rotating force of the second external gear
48f can be transferred to the fourth bevel planet gears 34f and the
fourth rotating plate 140f, so that the winding force of the fourth
pulley 14f to the fourth belt 40f can be increased. In this manner,
the rotating force of the second external gear 48f can be reversely
transferred to the third engagement gear T3.
[0071] Thus, the rotating force of the first pulley 11f transferred
to the fourth pulley 140f can be reinforced. That is, due to the
rotation of the first and second external gears 45f and 48f and the
main rotary shaft 50f, the rotating force of the first pulley 11f
can be additionally transferred to the fourth pulley 14f, so that
the loss of the rotating force transferred to the fourth pulley 14f
can be compensated.
Second Embodiment
[0072] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing an apparatus
for equalizing tension among elevator wire ropes according to the
second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is an assembled
perspective view showing the apparatus for equalizing tension among
elevator wire ropes according to the second embodiment of the
present invention, FIG. 7 is a front sectional view showing the
apparatus for equalizing tension among elevator wire ropes
according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and
FIG. 8 is a view showing the operation of the apparatus for
equalizing tension among elevator wire ropes according to the
second embodiment of the present invention.
[0073] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the apparatus for equalizing
tension among elevator wire ropes according to the second
embodiment of the present invention includes a body 200 formed
therein with a receiving space; a tension adjustment unit coupled
to a plurality of belts connected to the elevator wire ropes 700,
respectively, and installed in the body 200; a main rotary shaft 50
rotatably coupled to the body 200 by passing through the tension
adjustment unit; and guide rollers 61, 62, 63 and 64 rotatably
installed in the body 200 such that the belts connected to the
tension adjustment unit can be connected to outer surfaces of the
guide rollers 61, 62, 63 and 64, respectively.
[0074] The tension adjustment unit includes a first pulley 11
around which a first belt 10 is wound; a first ring gear L1 having
one side coupled with the first pulley 11, provided at an inner
circumferential portion thereof with first and second internal
gears 41 and 42, and rotatably coupled with a sleeve 21c fitted
around an outer surface of the main rotary shaft 50; a first sun
gear 45 fixedly coupled to the main rotary shaft 50, arranged
inside the first ring gear L1 and provided at an outer surface
thereof with gear teeth; a plurality of first planet gears 31
arranged between the first sun gear 45 and the first internal gear
41 and engaged with the first sun gear 45 and the first internal
gear 41 in such a manner that the first planet gears 31 rotatably
move along the first internal gear 41; a second pulley 12 coupled
to the other side of the first ring gear L1 and around which a
second belt 20 is wound; second and third sun gears 46 and 47
coupled with the sleeve 21c of the first ring gear L1, provided at
outer surfaces thereof with gear teeth and integrally coupled with
each other; a plurality of second planet gears 32 arranged between
the second sun gear 46 and the second internal gear 42 and engaged
with the second sun gear 46 and the second internal gear 42 in such
a manner that the second planet gears 32 rotatably move along the
second internal gear 42; a plurality of third planet gears 33
engaged with the third sun gear 47; a second ring gear L2 provided
at one side of an inner circumferential portion thereof with a
third internal gear 43 engaged with the third planet gears 33 and
at the other side of the inner circumferential portion thereof with
a fourth internal gear 44 and formed at a center thereof with a
sleeve 22c fitted around the outer surface of the main rotary shaft
50; a third pulley 13 coupled with an outer side of the second ring
gear L2 and around which a third belt 30 is wound; a fourth sun
gear 48 coupled to the sleeve 22c of the second ring gear L2 and
fixedly coupled to the main rotary shaft 50; a plurality of fourth
planet gears 34 arranged between the fourth sun gear 48 and the
fourth internal gear 44 and engaged with the fourth sun gear 48 and
the fourth internal gear 44 in such a manner that the fourth planet
gears 34 rotatably move along the fourth internal gear 44; and a
fourth pulley 14 coupled to the other outer side of the second ring
gear L2 and around which the fourth belt 40 is wound.
[0075] The first and fourth sun gears 45 and 48 have the
cylindrical structure and are provided at outer surfaces thereof
with gear teeth.
[0076] The first and fourth sun gears 45 and 48 are integrally
formed with the main rotary shaft 50.
[0077] As described above, the first and fourth sun gears 45 and 48
can be integrally formed with the main rotary shaft 50 by means of
keys 73 and 74.
[0078] The second and third sun gears 46 and 47 can be prepared in
the form of a single cylindrical structure and a bearing B1 coupled
with the main rotary shaft 50 can be provided at the center of the
second and third sun gears 46 and 47.
[0079] The winding direction of the first belt 10 is opposite to
the winding direction of the second belt 20, the winding direction
of the third belt 30 is opposite to the winding direction of the
second belt 20, and the winding direction of the fourth belt 40 is
opposite to the winding direction of the third belt 30.
[0080] The first ring gear L1 includes a cylindrical rim member and
a disc plate 210 attached to an inner portion of the cylindrical
rim member. The cylindrical sleeve 21c is provided at the center of
the disc plate 210 such that the cylindrical sleeve 21c can be
coupled with the main rotary shaft 50, and the first and second
pulleys 11 and 12 are coupled to one side of the outer surface of
the rim member. In addition, the first and second internal gears 41
and 42 are provided at upper and lower portions of an inner surface
of the rim member about the disc plate 210.
[0081] Retainer rings 11a and 12a are provided between the outer
surface of the first ring gear L1 and the first and second pulleys
11 and 12 to serve as bearings.
[0082] The second ring gear L2 includes a cylindrical rim member
coupled to the third and fourth pulleys 13 and 14 and a disc plate
220 attached to an inner portion of the cylindrical rim member. The
cylindrical sleeve 22c is provided at the center of the disc plate
220 such that the cylindrical sleeve 22c can be coupled with the
main rotary shaft 50, and the third and fourth internal gears 43
and 44 are provided at upper and lower portions of an inner surface
of the rim member about the disc plate 220.
[0083] Retainer rings 13a and 14a are provided between the outer
surface of the second ring gear L1 and the third and fourth pulleys
13 and 14 to serve as bearings.
[0084] The bearings B1 fitted around the main rotary shaft 50 are
installed in the sleeves 21c and 22c of the first and second ring
gears L1 and L2 to reduce the frictional resistance upon rotation
(see, FIG. 7).
[0085] The first to fourth pulleys 11 to 14 have the ring shape
provided therein with rotating plates 110 to 140. Rims are provided
at outer peripheral portions of the first t fourth pulleys 11 to 14
to prevent the belts from being separated from the first to fourth
pulleys 11 to 14. The first to fourth planet gears 31 to 34 are
rotatably coupled with the rotating plates 110 to 140 by shaft pins
111, 121, 131 and 141, respectively.
[0086] Hereinafter, the operation of the second embodiment of the
present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to
8.
[0087] When the first pulley 11 rotates counterclockwise, the gears
installed in the pulleys are under the balance state of force, so
the first planet gears 31 and the first sun gear 45 rotate
counterclockwise (see, FIG. 8 (I)).
[0088] At this time, the second internal gear 42 integrally formed
with the first internal gear 41 rotates counterclockwise, so that
the second planet gears 32 rotatably move counterclockwise.
[0089] Since the second sun gear 46 tends to maintain the balance
of force, the second sun gear 46 engaged with the second internal
gear 42 rotates counterclockwise while applying the force to the
second sun gear so that the second gear 46 rotates clockwise (see,
FIG. 8
[0090] (II)). In addition, the second planet gears 32 rotatably
move counterclockwise, so the second pulley 12 coupled with the
second planet gears 32 rotates counterclockwise so that the belt 20
is wound around the second pulley 12.
[0091] In addition, the third sun gear 47 integrally formed with
the second sun gear 46 rotate clockwise (see, FIG. 8 (III)).
[0092] Meanwhile, the fourth sun gear 48, which is integrally
formed with the first sun gear 45 rotating counterclockwise, may
rotate counterclockwise so that the fourth planet gears 34 are
rotatably moved counterclockwise (see, FIG. 8 (IV)).
[0093] Since the fourth internal gear 44 tends to maintain the
balance of force, the fourth planet gears 34 rotating clockwise
applies force to the fourth internal gear 44 so that the fourth
internal gear 44 rotates clockwise.
[0094] In addition, the fourth planet gears 34 rotatably move
counterclockwise, so the fourth pulley 14 rotates counterclockwise,
so that the fourth belt 40 is wound around the fourth pulley
14.
[0095] Referring again to FIGS. 8 (II) and (III), the second sun
gear 46 and the third sun gear 47 rotate in the same direction,
that is, the clockwise direction when taking into consideration the
force and the direction of the force applied to the third sun gear
47 and the third internal gear 43.
[0096] In addition, referring to FIGS. 8 (III) and (IV), since the
third and fourth internal gears 43 and 44 are integrally formed
with each other, they rotate counterclockwise.
[0097] Therefore, since the third sun gear 47 and the third
internal gear rotate counterclockwise, the third planet gears 33
rotate clockwise and rotatably move counterclockwise.
[0098] Thus, the third pulley 13 rotates clockwise, so that the
third belt 30 is wound around the third pulley 13.
[0099] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a
number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood
that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by
those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope
of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various
variations and modifications are possible in the component parts
and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within
the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims.
In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts
and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
* * * * *